First published 11/12/2002 11:43
by {article_topic_desc}
NATIONAL EDUCATION COMMISSION CPUSA
CLUB EDUCATIONAL GUIDE
October 8, 2002
Bush International Policy Threatens World Catastrophe
Article by Sam Webb, PWW, 9/14/02, pp.10-11;
"The National Security Strategy of the United States" reported in media 9/20/02
Use of this educational
Clubs are urged to have a club educational as soon as possible on the Sam Webb
article cited above and the Bush Administration policy document also cited above.
Members should be asked to read the material in advance. The leader of the educational
should summarize the material along the lines suggested below for about ten
minutes and then the club should discuss the suggested discussion questions
listed or similar questions.
The discussion leader should provide a 5 minute summary of the conclusions
reached before going on to a succeeding question. The total time for the educational
should be 45 to 60 minutes.
The Webb article
1. The Administration has concluded that the US has such predominant military
power now over any single or even group of countries that it can achieve its
international aims with or without the support of other countries or world bodies.
2. It believes it should use this power, including through pre-emptive and unilateral
military action, to achieve those aims. This creates grave new problems for
our own people and all the peoples of the world.
3. The planned aggression against Iraq is not only a product of pre-election-day
politics and to assert US domination of the Middle East for the oil interests
but is also to be a demonstration to the world of the new US international policy
of dictation to the whole world based on its military superiority.
4. The very extremeness and dangerousness of this policy is giving rise to worldwide
opposition, including a growing resistance in the US. The policy can be defeated
by the widest world-wide and domestic movement using many forms of action, including
right now pressure on Congress to prevent endorsement of an attack on Iraq.
"The National Security Strategy of the United States"
1. This document spells out what Comrade Webb had already outlined.
2. In addition, it claims the right to act pre-emptively to prevent any country
or group of countries to approach the military strength of the US "ever again."
This is regardless of whether they threaten the US in any way - the mere possession
of, or attempt to possess such military force is to be prevented, including
by pre-emptive military action by the US.
3. All avenues of power and influence are to be used to uphold our ideas of
"freedom", the "free market" and "free trade" everywhere, including means of
an ideological and economic character and all international institutions.
4. The Bush Administration Draft Congressional Resolution on Iraq not only provides
the authorization by Congress of military action against Iraq but also such
action anywhere else in the Middle East region, and without time limitation.
Discussion Questions:
1. How important is the fight against this further development of US international
policy?
How does it relate to the general struggle for peace, democracy, equality and
economic security?
2. Is Sam Webb right in saying this policy, and the immediate threat of aggression
against Iraq, can be defeated?
Why, what has to be done and what can your club do?
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